break it by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break it by" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you are referring to breaking something through a specific method or means, but it is not commonly used. Example: "You can break it by applying pressure at the right angle."

News & Media

Wiki

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

You cannot even break it by accident with a practice swing.

The New York Times - Sports

We can choose to perpetuate the cycle of hater and victim and hater, or to break it by building museums, or sometimes, by not talking about it.

The New York Times

The authorities break it by throwing Aziz, Benham Satah and others into solitary confinement in windowless containers known as the "chauka" (named after a bird unique to Manus).

The New York Times

Either way it seemed like I was going to ruin what I'd done, so I thought: "Well I'll just break it by not doing them any more".

The Guardian - Arts

It is based on an analysis of power in a dictatorship and how to break it by withdrawing the obedience of citizens and the key institutions of society".

The New York Times - Magazine

You need to break it by sliding the knife down with a bit of force, while lifting the flesh gently with your other hand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

We have a handy check-in infographic that breaks it down by geographic location.

TechCrunch

"I hope he breaks it by 17".

Independent

"But breaking it by six feet?

The New York Times

And he broke it by a whopping 99 yards.

The New York Times

During one of those occasional intervals of almost complete silence a lady broke it by saying,….

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "break it by", ensure the context clearly indicates the method or means by which something is being broken or exceeded. Consider if a more direct verb might be clearer and more concise.

Common error

Avoid using "break it by" when a simpler construction with a more direct verb, such as "break it with" or "exceed it by", would convey the meaning more effectively and naturally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break it by" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb by specifying the method or extent of the breaking. Ludwig AI examples show its use in contexts ranging from physically breaking something to surpassing a record.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "break it by" is grammatically acceptable, it's not the most common or elegant choice. As shown by Ludwig examples, its use spans various contexts from literal breakage to figurative surpassing. Due to its tendency to create more complex sentences, it's advisable to consider more direct alternatives like "exceed it by" or "break it with" for improved clarity. According to Ludwig AI, "break it by" isn't incorrect, it's just not the most preferred way to express the intended meaning, and this is reflected in the fact that it's not a very frequent construction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break it through

Emphasizes the method or means by which something is broken.

exceed it by

Focuses on surpassing a specific value or limit.

surpass it by

Similar to 'exceed it by', indicating a higher level is achieved.

violate it through

Highlights the means by which a rule or agreement is broken.

rupture it with

Indicates a forceful break using a specific tool or action.

shatter it using

Suggests a violent or forceful method of breaking.

demolish it via

Emphasizes the means through which something is completely destroyed or broken.

overcome it via

Highlights the method or tool through which a barrier is surpassed or overcome.

transgress it by

Highlights the method through which a boundary is passed. It's more formal than the original phrase.

breach it using

Focuses on the means by which a security measure or agreement is violated.

FAQs

What does "break it by" mean?

"Break it by" generally means to surpass, violate, or fracture something using a specific method or to a certain degree. The exact meaning depends heavily on the context in which it's used.

How can I use "break it by" in a sentence?

You can use "break it by" to describe how a record was broken, such as "He "broke it by" a significant margin." Ensure the method of breaking is clear in your sentence.

What are some alternatives to "break it by"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "exceed it by", "surpass it by", or "break it with". The best alternative will depend on the specific meaning you're trying to convey.

Is "break it by" grammatically correct?

While not the most common phrasing, "break it by" is grammatically acceptable in certain contexts. However, consider if a clearer, more direct alternative might improve the sentence's readability and impact.